Thousands of tourists and Egyptian visitors gathered at the Abu Simbel temples to witness a breathtaking solar alignment. This awe-inspiring phenomenon occurs twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, marking the birth and coronation anniversaries of King Ramses II.
The temples, originally built on the banks of the Nile River, were relocated in the 1960s to protect them from rising water levels due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Despite the monumental move, the precision of the solar alignment remains intact.
For approximately 20-25 minutes, sunlight penetrates the main temple, illuminating the statues of King Ramses II, Amun-Re, and Re-Hur-Akhty. The statue of Ptah, the “God of Darkness,” remains in shadow.
The Abu Simbel temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a testament to Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and continue to attract millions of tourists from around the world. Tourism is a major source of foreign currency for Egypt, and the temples play a significant role in the country’s tourism industry.
